1955 Jaguar XK140 Fixed Head Coupe
Sold: $84,000
Specifications
| Engine | In-line 6-cylinder, 3442cc |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual (see text) |
| Body Work | Fixed-Head Coupé |
| Colour | Deep Red |
| Interior | Biscuit |
| Trim | Leather |
| Wheels | Wire-spoked |
| Brakes | Discs (see text) |
Description
The Jaguar XK140 built between 1954 and 1957 offers all the beauty, performance and luxury of the original legendary XK120 sports car but with numerous improvements, including a more powerful version of the legendary straight-six engine, rack and pinion steering and more cockpit room thanks to the relocated engine. William Lyons' curvaceous styling, with lines that can still take one's breath away, was left alone apart from the addition of full-width bumpers and some additional brightwork. Once again, three different body styles were offered, including the luxurious drophead coupe, sporting roadster and practical fixed-head coupe as offered here, with just 2,808 of the latter produced, the vast majority destined for the American market. The XK140 is a real thoroughbred, powered by one of the most remarkable engines ever built and remains a delight to drive even in modern traffic thanks to the ample torque from the 3.4-litre straight six. Developing 190 horsepower at 5500 rpm in standard form and with 210 lbs/ft of torque on tap, the XK unit propelled the 140 to a top speed of 120mph, while cars fitted with the C-type cylinder head were capable of even higher speeds. The gearbox was a four-speed manual unit with 3.19:1 overdrive optional, as designated by the 'DN' suffix on the chassis number. Jaguar's XK sports cars have always been amongst the most sought after 1950s sports cars, offering stunning looks, performance and style at a price that seems downright affordable when compared with more exclusive rivals like Aston Martin. The XK140 combines the purity of the original XK120's stunning lines with numerous improvements that make the model easier to live with day to day.
